Rural Food Banks Need Your Help

WAYNESBUG (KDKA) — Rural food banks in southwestern Pennsylvania are faced with nearly empty shelves at a time when many families face the greatest need.

In Greene County alone, more than 2,000 people are receiving smaller distributions.

Jan Caldwell, executive director of the Corner Cupboard of Waynesburg, says the food bank is in desperate straits. In her 11 years on the job, she’s never seen the shelves so empty.

Board president Dave Balint says state funding has been cut by 53 percent and community and corporate donations are desperately needed to take up the slack in a down economy.

“The holidays are right around the corner, and Thanksgiving and Christmas, people rely on this for supplemental food.”

The story is pretty much the same in neighboring Washington County and rural areas all across the state. Meanwhile, Jan Caldwell says, the number of people who are in need of assistance continues to grow.

“We’re in serious trouble. And Greene County’s always been very good about stepping up to help the needy neighbor. They’ve always stepped up, and we hope they’re going to do it again.”

If you wish to donate to the Greene County food bank, send your check to:

Dave Crawley joined KDKA in April of 1988 where he reports on the interesting stories of “KD Country.”
VITALS
Joined KDKA: 1988
Hometown: Pittsburgh (Squirrel Hill)
Alma Mater: Washington & Lee University (BA, English)...